Dive summary:

• The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conducted a study over the states recycling habits and found there is substantial room for improvement.
• The study estimates that around $64 million worth of recyclable plastic material ends up in Wisconsin landfills every year, if that plastic was instead recycled the state could increase state income as well as jobs in the sector.
• The DNR has agreed to conduct a pilot program this spring to expand recycling of film packaging at small and mid-sized businesses in the state.

From the article:

To get a better understanding of the opportunities afforded with increasing the plastics recycled, the DNR commissioned a study to identify actions that can be taken to capture and recycle more used plastics. “In addition to the benefits to businesses and employment, increasing plastics recycling would provide environmental benefits by prolonging the life of landfills and reducing pollution,” says Cynthia Moore, DNR recycling program coordinator.

The study, authored jointly by Foth Infrastructure and Environment and Moore Recycling Associates, lists steps Wisconsin can take to substantially increase plastics recovery rates. In a release, Moore says the actions “could be implemented individually or as a coordinated approach, and target the most valuable and commonly used plastic containers, such as consumer beverage bottles and containers for household cleaning products.” ...